Prison service slammed over ‘early release’ errors

An urgent inquiry has been launched after two prisoners were released “erroneously” from Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland, one whom is facing a charge of rape.

Justice Minister David Ford told the Northern Ireland Assembly on October 4 that two prisoners had mistakenly been freed from the prison.

Devidas Paliutis appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison before Newry Magistrates’ Court on September 29, and was returned for trial by the District Judge to the Crown Court. The holding charges against Mr Paliutis were withdrawn from the magistrates’ court, with other charges substituted in their place.

However, Mr Paliutis was released by the prison service because it thought the charges had been withdrawn.

Mr Ford said: “As I understand it, the information that initially came to the Prison Service was that the charges had been withdrawn.

“Action was taken on this basis. Again, in line with normal procedures, prior to the discharge of a prisoner in these circumstances, the papers were checked by a senior member of the prison.

“Clearly we are not in possession of all the detailed facts at this stage, but we are examining any procedural weaknesses as well as human error.”

A second man, Connelly James Cummins, was also released in similar circumstances, after a prison custody officer failed to take into account alleged charges against Mr Cummins, including theft, aggravated vehicle taking and using a vehicle without insurance.

“I also regret to inform the House of a separate incident on Friday where another prisoner was released erroneously from Downpatrick Crown Court. The prisoner, Connelly James Cummins, had been produced in court because of an alleged breach of a custody probation order. That matter was dismissed by the court,” the Justice Minister said.

Decisions leading to the releases were slammed by the chairman of the Assembly Justice Committee, Lord Morrow, who said that the Northern Ireland Prison Service was not “fit for purpose”.

“It must come as a pleasant surprise to both of these prisoners when they were told, ‘look you’re free and away you go’.

“This morning we have two prisoners, one on a very serious charge and another on a serious charge, and today they’re free, walking free, they’re unlawfully at large and that shouldn’t be,” said Lord Morrow.

However, the Justice Minister said that the errors should be viewed in the context of thousands of cases being dealt with without any issues.

But that was not enough to “reassure the House and the public that he is in control of the situation,” said Lord Morrow.

He added that the prisoners were released as a result of incompetence and unprofessionalism”.
The inquiry is due to be completed by the end of this month.